Denver Broncos / NFL

Broncos at Chiefs: Game plan

The Denver Post's NFL reporters post analysis, notes and more on this blog focusing on the Denver Broncos.

When the Broncos run. With Willis McGahee (now injured) as their primary tailback, the Broncos have had 35 percent of their rushing attempts over the center. McGahee was the Broncos' most effective runner out of their favorite formation — a three-wide receiver look. None of the other Denver backs have shown that they can consistently gain yards out of that look, so the Broncos may have to line up with two tight ends or two backs more often. Edge: Broncos

When the Chiefs run. The Chiefs have a lot of problems on offense, but they have an effective running game. They're averaging 4.4 yards per carry over the center and 5.2 yards per carry on the perimeter. That hasn't helped the Chiefs score a lot of points — they have only six rushing touchdowns — but their running game is vital to their tempo. Their offensive line could be missing three starters because of injuries. Edge: Broncos

When the Broncos pass.Peyton Manning is on a roll, even by his standards. He has six 300-yard passing games this season, six games in which he has completed at least 70 percent of his passes and six games with three touchdown passes. In the Chiefs' last eight games, only Tampa Bay's Josh Freeman has thrown for more than 240 yards against them. Look for Manning to test 5-foot-9 cornerback Javier Arenas down the field. Edge: Broncos

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When the Chiefs pass.The Chiefs' passing game is a mess. Their offensive line has been gutted by injuries, quarterbacks Matt Cassel and Brady Quinn have suffered concussions and the team leads the NFL in turnovers. The Chiefs also have had injuries at wide receiver, making tight end Tony Moeaki (who had a career-high 73 yards last weekend against the Bengals) their best option in the passing game. Star wideout Dwayne Bowe (neck) isn't full speed. Edge: Broncos

Special teams.The Chiefs gave up an 88-yard punt return for a touchdown to Buffalo's Leodis McKelvin in Week 2 and have looked wobbly throughout the season with their coverage units. If the Broncos' Trindon Holliday can handle the ball with some consistency, there could be a big return waiting for him. The Broncos have an advantage in the kicking game but need to rebound from a difficult game in the victory over the Chargers last weekend. Edge: Broncos

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